Father, children arrested after police car smashed

A Hamilton man and two of his children face criminal charges after allegedly attacking police and smashing a patrol car window during a domestic violence call-out.

Police said in a statement this morning that they had been called to the house, in the Hamilton suburb of Fairfield, about 7.30am on Saturday. Police had gone to the home after being contacted by Women's Refuge.

Detective Sergeant Andy BuBear said the house was occupied by a Women's Refuge client, who lived there with 10 children and an on-site refuge worker.

"The Women's Refuge worker realised the client's estranged partner was in the house with her and called police,” Mr BuBear said.

“When officers attended, the man has been arrested for breaching a restraining order but managed to jump out a window where he has confronted a female police officer and assaulted her."

Mr BuBear said police reinforcements were called and pepper spray was used to calm the aggressive man. Two of his children – a teenage son and daughter – were arrested for obstruction. The boy's mother was also arrested but later released.

"The man was secured in a patrol car while staff tried to calm things down. However, while secured there, the man kicked out one of the patrol car's windows."

Mr BuBear said the incident highlighted the risks and tensions police and other agencies experienced when dealing with family violence.

The arrested man has been charged with aggravated injury, two counts of assaulting police, threatening language, intentional damage, breaching a restraining order and trespass.

- © Fairfax NZ News